Deep Dive: Don Lemon, Activist William Kelly Arraigned on Conspiracy Charges Following Minnesota Church Protest
MINNEAPOLIS — Former CNN anchor Don Lemon and prominent activist William Kelly appeared in federal court Friday, facing serious charges of conspiracy to deprive rights in connection with the disruption of a church service in St. Paul last month. The high-profile arraignment stems from a January 18 incident at Cities Church, where demonstrators protested against a pastor who also serves as a senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official.
The “Agitator” in the Spotlight
Among the defendants is William Kelly, a figure described by federal prosecutors and conservative critics as a “well-funded agitator.” Kelly, who has built a significant following for his confrontational style, was taken into custody after publicly challenging Attorney General Pam Bondi to arrest him.
Financial Backing Claims: While supporters view Kelly as a grassroots hero, reports from outlets like the Washington Examiner* have characterized him as a “paid provocateur,” citing a travel fund and crowdfunding campaigns specifically earmarked for “agitating” political opponents. His ability to travel rapidly to hot-button protest sites across the country has fueled allegations that his activities are more organized and financially supported than typical spontaneous activism.
Pattern of Confrontation: Kelly’s involvement in the St. Paul incident is part of a broader pattern. He has previously been filmed in aggressive confrontations with National Guard troops and other officials, often livestreaming these interactions to his donor base.
The Charges and the Incident
The defendants are charged under federal statutes regarding “conspiracy to deprive rights” and the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act—a law originally designed to protect abortion clinics but which also covers houses of worship.
Prosecutors allege that the group, which included Lemon, Kelly, and civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, executed a “coordinated takeover-style attack” on the church. The disruption was aimed at Pastor David Easterwood, the acting field director for ICE in Minnesota.
The Prosecution’s Case: The Department of Justice (DOJ) argues that the group did not merely exercise free speech but conspired to intimidate parishioners and interfere with their constitutional right to worship. “Religious freedom is the bedrock of this country,” AG Bondi stated, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for disrupting religious services.
The Disruption: Witnesses say protesters entered the sanctuary chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good”—a reference to an activist fatally shot by an ICE officer earlier in January—effectively halting the sermon.
Objections and Defense Arguments
The defense teams have mounted vigorous objections, characterizing the charges as a political weaponization of the DOJ.
“Journalism is Not a Crime”: Don Lemon’s legal team argues he was present solely as a journalist to document a newsworthy event. “I was there to report,” Lemon has stated, asserting that his presence was protected by the First Amendment. His lawyers contend that charging a reporter with conspiracy for covering a protest sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom.
“We Were Invited”: Activists dispute the “storming” narrative. Kelly and others have claimed they were initially “invited” into the building or at least not stopped by security, and that they left peacefully after making their statement. They argue the charges are an attempt to criminalize dissent against controversial government officials.
Selective Prosecution: Civil rights groups point out that the FACE Act has rarely been used in this manner against left-leaning protesters, accusing the administration of selective enforcement to shield an ICE official from public scrutiny.
Background: A City on Edge
The legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tension in the Twin Cities.
ICE Operations: The region has seen a surge in federal immigration enforcement operations, leading to daily protests.
The Catalyst: The unrest intensified following the death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and activist killed during a confrontation with federal agents. Her death has become a rallying cry for the local movement, directly motivating the protest at Pastor Easterwood’s church.
Legal Tug-of-War: The case has already seen legal drama; a federal magistrate judge initially refused to sign the criminal complaint against Lemon, finding a lack of probable cause. However, the DOJ bypassed the lower judge by securing an indictment from a grand jury, escalating the proceedings to the arraignment seen today.
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